Minnesota Vikings and Chris Kluwe Reach Resolution

Eden Prairie, MN (August 19, 2014) – The Minnesota Vikings and former punter Chris Kluwe have reached a resolution of all issues relating to his departure from the Vikings and public comments made by him on January 2, 2014. Terms of the resolution were not disclosed.

“We appreciate Chris Kluwe’s contributions to the Minnesota Vikings as a player and a member of this organization during his eight seasons in which he established many team records as our punter, and we wish him and his family the best in the future,” said Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf. “In regards to this matter, our focus remains on maintaining a culture of tolerance, inclusion and respect, and creating the best workplace environment for our players, coaches and staff.”

“As a family we have long-supported equal rights causes, including marriage equality,” said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf. “We are glad a resolution of this matter has been reached, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to create positive awareness of these issues.”

“I’m pleased that the issue has been resolved,” said Kluwe. “I intend to continue to speak out on behalf of marriage equality, and I am pleased to be a part of the impact the Vikings material charitable contributions will have on LGBT and related causes.”

As part of the resolution, the Vikings will provide continued financial support for human rights and anti-hate causes, resulting in a substantial and material benefit in the fight against gender preference discrimination. The team will also continue to enhance its sensitivity training policy and will further embody in the Club Code of Conduct and Employee Handbook a Zero Tolerance Policy for any discrimination and harassment because of race, religion, national origin or sexual orientation. Finally, the Vikings will work to build awareness and understanding of LGBT issues in professional football and in sports generally.

“Resolving this matter was not difficult,” said retired Judge Rick Solum, who oversaw conversations between the two sides. “This resolution joins the Vikings strong track record of workplace diversity and the Wilf family’s significant past support for marriage equality and other diverse causes with Mr. Kluwe’s selfless goals of advancing the protection of gay rights in professional football and LGBT rights in sports generally.”